Jamie Carragher has weighed in on the Manchester City case and the likely impacts for the club after the findings of the independent commission.
The former Liverpool defender argued that this issue goes beyond mere titles and accolades, acknowledging the feelings of players who celebrated victories during the time in question.
Carragher insisted that the trophies won by Manchester City during the specified period should be stripped, although he suggested that determining which other clubs would inherit these titles is a separate matter altogether.
“I genuinely believe that the titles or trophies Manchester City won during this time should be removed from their list. The question of whether others should receive them is a different one altogether.”
In Carragher’s view, the consequences of potential rule breaches extend well beyond official awards.
“These players will never experience that feeling. Manchester City have robbed them of it. I don’t think a player will care about a medal they place at home in their trophy room. They will never look at it the same way. This isn’t about medals; it’s about feelings, and that’s what Manchester City have taken from them.”
The ex-footballer also pointed the finger of responsibility squarely at the club's hierarchy.
“There are fans, players, clubs, and owners. To me, it all falls back on the owners, those at the top of the club.”
However, Carragher was keen to clarify that his remarks are not aimed against Manchester City as a football club.
“Manchester City is a fantastic club, which has been around for a hundred years and will be around for hundreds more.”
Nonetheless, within the context of the current situation, he questioned the future involvement of the existing owners in English football.
“But given what we are now learning, I’m not sure how the owners can continue to operate in English football.”
